THOUSANDS OF GAMES, MEETS AND MATCHES.
56 YEARS.
14 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
NO HOME COURT.
BUT THINGS ARE CHANGING AT ROCHESTER COLLEGE.
We are in the homestretch of our campaign to raise funds to build the Garth Pleasant Gymnasium. Over
the past year and a half, generous friends and alumni have stepped forward to provide just over $3 million
toward this long-awaited project. We are within a million dollars of breaking ground.
And now we have a target. We plan to break ground by May 2016.
The Garth Pleasant Gymnasium is about more than sports. Our enrollment growth has steadily increased
over the past few years. Although this is a good "problem" to have, we are running out of space to
accommodate all of our students for chapel. We’ve just celebrated spring commencement off-campus with
an overflow crowd. Intramurals, student musical and theater organizations, and community groups are all
looking for more opportunities to meet, play and perform on our campus.
The Garth Pleasant Gymnasium is about more than a building. It’s about building character. Our students
learn more than how to make a living. They learn how to live with personal integrity and respect for one
another. It’s about building faith. As a Christian college, we challenge our students to view their lives and
careers in terms of God’s will. And it’s about building community. Using the diversity of our student body,
we work together to envision and create a just, fair and peaceful world.
Enjoy reading this issue of the North Star to learn more about how God is blessing the students at Rochester
College. Feel free to give me a call or send me a note, and I’ll be glad to let you know more about how you
can be involved in the Kingdom work happening here.

DONOR ROLL
Junior Milton Cribbs (who graciously posed for our cover shoot) is one of many Rochester
College athletes anxiously awaiting the completion of the Garth Pleasant Gymnasium. A
transfer from Ferris State University, Cribbs has certainly made his mark on the basketball
court and in the RC community during his short time as a Warrior. In his first season,
he had some incredible moments, like when he scored the "buzzer beater" 3-point shot
to secure the win against Indiana University Northwest, and the game he put up 28
points and 18 rebounds. Cribbs earned A.I.I. Player of the Week, All-Conference Second
Team, All-American Honorable Mention, National All-Academic Team and National
All-Tournament Team honors. When he wasn't hooping, he served as video production
manager for RC's student media, Shield.

Rochester College is committed to equal opportunity
for all persons and does not discriminate in admissions,
programs, or any other educational functions
and services on the basis of race, color, creed, national
origin, gender, age, veteran status, religion, or
disability to those who meet admission criteria
and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the
Student Handbook. Rochester College is an equal
opportunity employer and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin,
gender, age, veteran status, or disability.

N O R T H S TA R // 3

ď&#x201A;Ť

ď&#x201A;Ş

eventNEWS

1

RC Theatre Department closes the curtain on another outstanding year of productions,

2

Author of The First Phone Call From Heaven, philanthropist, columnist and sports reporter

including The Butler Did It, Little Women: The Musical and Eleemosynary.

Mitch Albom addresses a crowd of more than 500 at the 2015 Partnership Dinner.

3

A group of nearly 20 students spent spring break immersed in the city of Detroit during
Campus Ministry's annual Urban Plunge. Pictured are Kalita Zila, Danielle Fecteau and
Laura Corp, along with Hannah Brackney, all happily sorting and boxing food for the
Focus: HOPE mission.

4 // S P R I N G // 2015

4

RC joined in celebration of our vibrant academic community during
the 12th annual Academic Symposium in April. We were honored to

present the academic achievements and capstone projects of 91 students.
During the annual Academic Awards Ceremony, departmental honors,
service and athletic awards are presented to RC's top performers. Here,
sophomore Matthew Burrows accepts the Eckstein Biblical Languages
Award from Dr. Keith Huey, chair of the Department of Religion and Bible.
Dr. Haja Razafinjatovo, an educator and government leader from
Madagascar, shares his inpiring story during the keynote address.

The Student Nursing Association hosted a 5K fundraiser on the Paint Creek Trail in late March. Funds from
events such as this support the efforts of the SNA, which includes awarding nursing scholarships, participating
in medical mission trips, and attending state and national conventions.

7

Students enjoy a photo booth at the graduation party hosted by the Alumni Association. The event allowed
students to take a break from preparations for final exams while honoring the graduates.

N O R T H S TA R // 5

G RAD UATION
Rogers Biina and his "adopted parents" Larry
and Kay Norman rejoice with Biina's family
and friends who watched the ceremony from
Uganda, East Africa via FaceTime.

8

9

It has quickly become tradition for the
graduates of the School of Nursing to add a
little (or a lot) of flair to their caps.

Upon finishing her education degree and
graduating summa cum laude, California
native Holly Hemmings posted this photo and the
following message on her Facebook: "Rochester
College you have been good to me. You've been
my home for the past four years. I've made some of
my best friends living in your dorms; I've felt God's
presence in your chapel; and I've learned to love
who I am because of you."

10

To the mass communication faculty who
she got to know while obtaining her
degree, Kaylee Anderson said, "Thank you for
helping me fall in love with public relations, for
pushing me harder and for making me be the best
I can be. Thank you for always having an open
office door and doing everything you can to help
me in any way. Thank you for being you. You have
constantly been a light in my life."

11

6 // S P R I N G // 2015

campusN E WS 


Tea at Downton Days to Tiger Baseball in the D: Warrior Adventures Offer Fun for All
Participating in the first Warrior Adventure of the new calendar year, alumni
and their guests recently experienced a bit of "Downton Abbey." The group
visited Meadow Brook Hall, the 110-room Tudor mansion built by Matilda
Dodge Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge. The hall is located
on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.
Based upon the popular Masterpiece Theatre television series, Meadow
Brook's annual Downton Days occurs each winter. The alumni group took
a Sunday afternoon behind-the-scenes tour titled “A Servant’s Life.” The
interactive tour focused on the role of the house staff in a country estate by
allowing guests to imagine being interviewed for a staff position.
“We were greeted at the servant’s entrance by a butler,” said Larry Stewart,
director of alumni relations. “The head housekeeper then met us in the
servants’ parlor to explain the high standards required for employment before
leading us through the mansion.” At the conclusion of the tour, guests enjoyed
tea and scones in the servants’ dining room.
The Alumni Office introduced the Warrior Adventures in 2013. In addition to
Meadow Brook Hall, groups have visited the Detroit Zoo, Detroit Tigers games
at Comerica Park, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Institute of
Arts. Planners currently are considering options for a theatre event in the fall.
“The Warrior Adventures are designed to allow former students to
reconnect and once again enjoy one another’s company,” Stewart said. “We
select significant tourist attractions, arrange a group rate, and then spend most
of our time the day of the event enjoying the venue. Most adventures include
a period of time when we all gather together.”
The next Warrior Adventure is scheduled for alumni, their families, and
their friends on Saturday, July 18, at Comerica Park. The evening will feature
the Detroit Tigers as they face the Baltimore Orioles and a post-game
fireworks show.
Tickets for this year’s Detroit Tigers Night are $38 each (Tigers ticket price).
Participants will receive a $10 voucher for stadium food purchases courtesy
of the Alumni Association. As usual, there will be drawings for door prizes,
including a set of four tickets to another Tigers game provided by Kevin Stewart
(’04) and The Stewart Team of ReMax Defined in downtown Rochester.
The reservation deadline for the July game is June 17. A limited number of
tickets are available. They will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To
purchase tickets, visit WWW.RC.EDU/ADVENTURES.

FREE MONTHLY SEMINARS OFFERED TO THE COMMUNITY
Rochester College and The Stewart Team, led
by Kevin Stewart (’04), have partnered to bring
the Rochester community free, monthly seminars
hosted by a variety of local professionals in the areas
of personal finance, insurance, retirement, small
business growth and enhancement, taxes, long-term
estate planning and care, and many others.
“My team and Rochester College are invested in the
Rochester area, and we share a commitment to this
community. We want to provide our community the
opportunity to learn and grow, particularly in areas like
financial responsibility, in times when the economy is

in a healthy place,” said Stewart.
The variety of subject matter highlighted in the
series allows attendees of all ages to benefit. Several
RC students attended a recent budget planning session
and learned about the importance of living below one's
means, saving and paying off debt. “These are lessons I
now know, but wish I had paid more attention to in my
early 20s! It means a lot to share with young people and
watch the light bulbs go off as they learn something
new,” said Stewart.
For more information on upcoming "Imagine This"
seminars, visit WWW.RC.EDU/IMAGINETHIS.

N O R T H S TA R // 7

Storm Authors Text Based on Decades
of Teaching New Testament at RC

Matchynski Chosen to Advocate for
Scientific Funding on Capitol Hill

After more than 20 years teaching on the
Book of Acts, Dr. Mel Storm, professor of New
Testament, recently published Living Lord,
Empowering Spirit, Testifying People. This
volume provides a readable and pastorallysensitive treatment of the textual and exegetical
issues in the book of Acts.
Storm says he hopes the book will encourage
others to read the Bible more carefully. “While
Acts narrates events that happened in the
Dr. Mel Storm
earliest years of the Christian movement, I
have come to understand Acts as a theological narrative, which means the
primary concern of the writer is religious instead of historical. Simply put,
Acts is more about what God did through the Church by means of the Holy
Spirit than it is about what the Church did in spreading the Gospel."
Storm continues, “Furthermore, Acts, which is really a continuation of
the Gospel According to Luke, highlights the importance of the resurrection
of Jesus and the intended inclusive and global nature of the community of
Jesus.”
Storm says as his understanding of Acts changed, his teaching was
shaped accordingly. However, because he was primarily teaching to general
students who have little in-depth knowledge of the book, he grew frustrated
with the textbooks available for the course.
“Texts were either too shallow or simply too difficult for the general
student. I wanted to write a book that would present my understanding of
Acts in a clear and straightforward manner in no more than 200 pages,”
Storm said.
Like his earlier book (The Man from Nazareth, 2006), what Storm created
works well for the 2000-level textual classes he teaches at Rochester
College. The text highlights key words, offers questions for reflection, and
features an organized structure that allows for
maximum access and comprehension. “It is
a rare privilege for our students to be taught
by the person who wrote their textbook!” said
Keith Huey, chair of the Department of Religion
and Bible. Additionally, Storm says the book
was also created with a church setting in mind.
Zac Watson, assistant professor of English,
provided editorial assistance on the project.
“We are proud of the way this book represents
our academic community here at Rochester
College,” said Huey.
Living Lord, Empowering Spirit, Testifying
People is available from Wipf & Stock, and you can
also find it on Amazon in paperback or Kindle editions.

Dr. Jessica Matchynski, assistant professor
of psychology at Rochester College and a
postdoctoral fellow at Wayne State University,
was recently selected as one of 10 fellows
in the 2015 Society for Neuroscience’s Early
Career Policy Fellows Program. The prestigious
program provides opportunities for early
career neuroscientists to learn how to become
effective advocates for science and how to
encourage others to do the same.
Dr. Jessica Matchynski
Although many neuroscientists may not be
particularly comfortable in the advocacy role, there is a need for younger
scientists to learn how to communicate the importance of federal funding
for scientific research. In recent years, across-the-board spending cuts
have sliced $1.5 billion from the National Institutes of Health budget and
$356 million from the National Science Foundation. While there has been a
reprieve from those cuts, “sequestration” could make a return later in 2015.
Additionally, even if it stays dormant, science budgets remain very anemic.
As part of the fellowship, Matchynski joined more than 50 neuroscientists
at the society’s 9th annual Capitol Hill Day in March. For almost a decade,
neuroscientists have expressed their support for increased federal science
funding while visiting with members of Congress during this event.
Matchynski and fellow group members met with eight legislative offices
representing Michigan and Iowa to discuss the latest advances in the field
of neuroscience and share the economic and public health benefits of
investment in scientific and biomedical research. In total, SFN members met
with 81 offices representing 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Matchynski describes the experience as eye-opening and inspiring,
and says she left feeling confident in her ability to make a difference and
excited to encourage others to do the same. “All of the legislative offices
attentively listened to my team’s causes. Moreover, the majority expressed
support and interest in touring a laboratory in their home state. I truly felt my
representatives and senators are advocating for research,” she said.
The group’s work did not end there, however. After participating in
“Hill Day,” the fellows committed to engaging in at least three additional
advocacy-related activities at their home institution over the course of the
year. To guide them through their activities, each fellow is paired with a
team of previous fellows and faculty members from the SFN Government
and Public Affairs Committee.
Matchynski plans to continue her fellowship by inviting the House
members to a laboratory tour at the Detroit VA Medical Center, holding
an advocacy workshop for the post-doctoral association at Wayne State
University, starting a blog updating her colleagues on neuroscience related
topics, and holding an advocacy outreach event at Rochester College to gain
public attention to current issues.

MacKinnon Contributes Article to
Volume of Sociology Encyclopedia
The recently published Social History of the American Family: An
Encyclopedia includes an article penned by Rochester College faculty
member, Dr. Gordon MacKinnon. “War on Terror” explores the role of the
family as an important social unit throughout history and how terrorism has
shaped individual development and identity.
In addition to his role as chair of the Department of Psychology and
Behavioral Sciences and professor of psychology, MacKinnon operates a
private psychological practice where he works with individuals and families
in the areas of crisis events and traumatic-induced experiences.
His article chronicles a brief history of terrorism as it has impacted the
American family since Sept. 11, 2001. MacKinnon presents the notion that as
mass violence has become a part of the American experience, adults and
children alike are constantly exposed to the anxiety, fears and threats of
potential terror attacks.

RC Says Farewell to Beloved Faculty & Staff
PA U L A B O N B R I S C O
“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly
with your God” is more than just a verse from Micah
6:8. This message is also at the heart of the 12-year
journey Paula Bonbrisco, director of Rochester
College’s Academic Center for Excellence, has taken.
Bonbrisco’s time at the college has been significant,
both to her and to the campus community. In 2003,
after the college received a federal grant, Bonbrisco began working for the
ACE Lab in order to start an academic support system.
The early years of ACE focused on retaining freshmen students and
helping them succeed in one or two primary subjects, usually math and
composition courses. Under Bonbrisco's guidance, ACE has expanded its
offerings over the years to include tutoring for 10 subjects, supplemental
instructors for freshman Bible courses and an online composition
instruction system.
Bonbrisco says the tutors are the backbone of the program. “I tell the
tutors they have the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Having
a college degree does make a difference in someone’s life. If tutors can
help students accomplish that, then they have really helped someone take
another step in their journey,” Bonbrisco said.
With mixed emotions, Bonbrisco retired at the end of the 2015 school
year. Not suprisingly, her next chapter will begin in Colorado where her
only son and two grandchildren reside.

ALLIE KELLER
After overseeing the library’s operations and staff
for the past nine years, Library Director Allie Keller has
retired.
In addition to her role in the library, Keller has also
taught Information Literacy and Art Appreciation at
Rochester College, a position for which she is well
qualified. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education
from Memphis State University, a Master of Library Science degree from
Villanova University and a master of art degree in art history from University
of West Virginia.
“Art is something we all should know about. We should appreciate what
people can make with the artistic gifts God has given them. Art impacts

“Today’s teenagers and young adults have only
known a world in which terrorism is a realistic
threat. The goal of terrorist acts is to induce a wideranging fear among civilian populations. As a result,
individuals and families recognize their vulnerability
to mass violence in the U.S. Because terrorist acts are
somewhat random to the public at large, innocent
families may become the unknown targets of a
terrorist threat,” said MacKinnon.
He goes on to point out the highly disruptive
effects that exposure to such traumatic events
Dr.Gordon MacKinnon
has on one’s well-being as well as marital and
parenting relationships.
“These types of experiences create vulnerability, a loss of control, fear
and anxiety. As these affect the family system, understanding concepts such
as resilience and family cohesion have been useful in assisting families to
become more inoculated from stress,” he said.
The four-volume set which includes MacKinnon’s work is available at
WWW.SAGEPUB.COM.

history, literature, psychology and more,” Keller said.
She says she will miss her staff and working at the college. “RC has been a
good experience for us, and we’ve enjoyed it very much,” she said.
Her husband, Dr. David Keller agrees, but he and Allie are also excited to
retire and move closer to their family in Kansas City, MO. Keller relates her
upcoming move to the wisdom literature in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes.
“There is a season for everything, and this is the season to be more of a
grandma,” Keller said. “I love my staff, and I love the library, but it’s time to do
something else.”

CRAIG BOWMAN
Dr. Craig Bowman, professor of Old Testament and
one of the most multi-talented “Renaissance men” ever
to teach at Rochester College, has retired from teaching
full-time and soon will move back to his native California.
While Bowman's presence at RC will be missed,
he hopes to continue to teach online courses for RC.
Currently, Bowman teaches two online courses in RC's
graduate program in missional leadership and has taught online for undergrad
programs as well.
“It’s been a blast. I’m very grateful I have been able to pursue archeology
and design new courses. That’s something larger institutions do not always
permit,” Bowman said of his 15-year tenure at RC.
Bowman has certainly left an indelible impression on students and
colleagues alike. Recently, his former students held a dinner in his honor to
show appreciation for the profound influence he has had on them. His devotion
to scripture and exacting attention to method and writing excellence made him
a significant influence on many of RC's best students.
Bowman also inspired the RC community with his recent struggle with
leukemia, which included a bone-marrow transplant. Those who know him
found it hard to think of him (an avid biker, swimmer and runner) as being
debilitated by a life-threatening disease. But in typical Bowman fashion, he
fought through hard and dark days to recover his health and return remarkably
to his demanding fitness regime.
Having experienced such a miraculous recovery, Bowman possesses a new
understanding of God. “I see God as an emotional being, with emotions that
exist beyond our own; one who is intimately concerned with our sufferings,
who mourns with us, and laments with us as well as helps us. This in Hebrew
is called kessed, the illogical loving loyalty of God,” Bowman said.
In his retirement, Bowman plans to care for his father, spend time with
his youngest daughter and grandchildren and, most importantly, celebrate life.


THE WARRIOR WAY
Warrior athletic teams have been among the best in the country on and
off the field in both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. During the 2014-15
athletic season, RC sent five teams to the USCAA national tournament,
and added 18 NAIA scholar-athletes to its record of accomplished student
players. The RC athletic program ranked in the USCAA Director’s Cup
top three for the second consecutive year, an honor given to the most
successful athletic programs in the league. This past year was also the first
competition season for three new programs as the men’s tennis team,
men’s bowling, and women’s bowling teams all began competitive play.
The Warriors continue to build on a rich history of success while striving to
earn new achievements in the future.
BASEBALL
The Warriors made back-to-back appearances at the Small College World
Series in 2015, including being ranked as high as #5 in the country. After
beginning the season in Vero Beach, Fla. 6-0, the Warriors stood as one
of only three undefeated teams in the NAIA. The Warriors’ World Series
appearance was powered by NAIA top-five defense and first team all-A.I.I.
performer, Blake German. The team was also active in the community,
partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Woodside Bible Church’s
Christmas Serve Project.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
RC experienced another tremendous men’s basketball season led by head
coach Klint Pleasant, who celebrated his 100th career win at RC this season.
The Warriors made it all the way to the USCAA national championship
game where they finished runner-up in the USCAA, while qualifying for
the A.I.I. conference tournament as the #4 seed. Sophomore Paris Pereira
led RC, collecting first team all-A.I.I. and first team USCAA All-American
honors. Off the court, the team took time to read to students at various
elementary schools throughout Oakland County during National Reading
Month. The team also hosted the second annual Travis Bass Classic, which
helps raise awareness and funds for ALS.
MEN'S GOLF
The men’s golf team concluded another outstanding season under head
coach Clayton Bissett, finishing in second place at the USCAA national
championship. RC won three tournaments this season and was led by first
team USCAA All-American Chet Ryeson and second team All-American
Mason Motte.
MEN'S TENNIS
The men’s tennis team began its inaugural season under first-year head
coach Evan Valeri. The Warriors played in 12 matches against some of the
toughest NAIA and NCAA division III competition around. RC was led by #1
singles player Kyle St. Pierre.
MEN'S SOCCER
RC returned to the USCAA national tournament for the second year in a row
under the guidance of first-year head coach Tony Hermiz. RC concluded its
regular season by winning four consecutive games and finishing with a mark
of 8-5. Daniel Seargeant was named a second team USCAA All-American,
while Joey Beshara was awarded honorable mention. Beshara, Seargeant
and Justin Kane were named honorable mention all-A.I.I performers.

WRAP-UP
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Playing one of the toughest schedules around, the Warriors missed the
postseason for the first time in fifth-year head coach Eric Sims’ career. With
just one senior on the roster, RC finished with a mark of 7-23. Sims’ young
crop of players was led by junior Jackie Highstreet, who collected first team
all-A.I.I. honors. The Warriors raised funds for breast cancer research in
November and culminated the effort by hosting a “pink game” in December.
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BOWLING
The bowling teams began their first season under the guidance of head
coach Rick Maruszczak, facing some of the top NAIA competition around.
(The Warriors bowling team competes as an “emerging sport” within the
NAIA as the sport continues to grow around the country.) Jeff Suma, Jr. led
the men’s team, while Renee Spicuzza was key to the women’s lineup during
the first season of competition.
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
In its second season since returning to the RC athletic program, the women’s
cross country team continues to build on a solid foundation. The Warriors
competed at the A.I.I. conference tournament for the first time this year. The
Warriors finished fourth at the conference championship and were led by
Emily Guirey and Kelsey Wright-Alexander.
WOMEN'S GOLF
The women’s golf team concluded its 2014-15 campaign by finishing in the top
three during its final three tournaments of the season. The Warriors featured
a lineup led by Kristin Loiselle and Lindsay Baslock. The team saw just two
golfers graduate, and expects to be highly competitive in the coming season.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
Featuring quite a young roster, the women’s soccer team won four games
in 2014. Coach Todd Stank’s lineup saw six newcomers receive considerable
playing time this past season. The Warriors will replace senior leaders Emily
Guirey and Kaylee Khoshaba, both of whom received A.I.I. honorable
mention, along with fellow teammate Jessica Ollila. The team hosted its
annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game in October, which helped raise
awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
The Warriors 2014 season was arguably the most impressive in recent
memory. Under first year head coach Shannon Murphy, the Warriors finished
runner-up in the USCAA and qualified for the A.I.I. conference tournament.
The team finished with 26 wins and was led by first team all-A.I.I. performers
Paige TenBrink and Lexus Medina; second team selection Chelsea Potter, and
honorable mention performer Tara Vandenburg. The team also joined in the
support to fight breast cancer by hosting a “pink game” of its own.
CLUB SPORT— MEN'S HOCKEY
Competing as a Division 1 member of the American Collegiate Hockey
Association, the Warriors hockey team maintained a top-25 ranking for
several weeks during the fall semester. During the 14-15 season, the Warriors
won the “Battle of the Jug” series against the Oakland University Grizzlies
by a margin of three games to one. The team also celebrated a road victory
against the highly-ranked powerhouse, Liberty University and ended the
semester earning a hard-fought split against the University of MichiganDearborn Wolverines. Additionally, senior Josh Botimer ended his collegiate
playing career ranked third in the nation in points among defensemen.

N O R T H S TA R // 11

THE FINAL

QUARTER
The long-awaited Garth Pleasant Gymnasium will provide a

first-class setting, propelling RC's top-ranked teams to new heights.

12 // S P R I N G // 2015

L

R

COLLEGE PLANS TO
BREAK GROUND ON
GARTH PLEASANT
GYMNASIUM IN
MAY 2016
Plans for construction of the Garth Pleasant Gymnasium are now on
a fast break, with ground-breaking set for May 2016.
The development was propelled by two major gifts from friends of
Rochester College. Bill and Shirlee Fox, owners of Bill Fox Chevrolet in
Rochester Hills, ignited fundraising for the project with a matching gift of
$1 million.
Alumnus Mark Ide (’71) and his wife, Missy, pledged $1 million for
the new gym in December 2014, which is the largest alumni gift in the
college’s history.
The Board of Trustees authorized the administration to announce
at the 2015 Partnership Dinner that RC will break ground on the longawaited project in May 2016.
While holding a symbolic gold shovel, Tom Rellinger, vice president
of development, made the announcement, which was answered with
loud cheers from an audience of nearly 550 guests.
Rellinger said current fundraising has moved past 75 percent
completion with funds raised totaling $3,027,920 against a projected
budget of $4,056,134. The initial estimate of $3.8 million for the project,
which was made in June of 2013, has been revised for current projected
construction estimates, he said.
To complete the fundraising campaign, the college is actively
seeking donors. It has created a $1,000 and $2,000 "Final Quarter Club"
with a goal of finding 500 donors to pledge $1,000 over 12 months, and
250 donors to pledge $2,000 over 12 months.
“We are excited to be nearing our fundraising goal so we can break
ground,” Rellinger said. “The gym will offer a suitable home for our
five-time national champion men’s basketball team and many of our
other teams. We are looking for people to join us in our efforts so we
can build this gym!”

Auto dealer Bill Fox decided long ago to share his success with others,
especially the community he has called home for almost 50 years.
Opening as Bill Fox Chevrolet in 1967, Fox’s dealership flourished and grew
alongside its home city of Rochester Hills. Fox and his wife, Shirlee, always
believed in contributing to their community, which included supporting
Leader Dogs for the Blind, Crittenton Hospital, Rochester Rotary Club and, of
course, Rochester College.
The Foxes' most notable and recent gift to RC has been to kickstart
fundraising for the Garth Pleasant Gymnasium with a matching gift of $1 million.
This significant gift is a remarkable indication of a long-term friendship
between two men.
Fox’s first affiliation with Rochester College (then Michigan Christian
College) came when Coach Garth Pleasant asked him to serve on the college’s
athletic advisory committee. The dealer and coach become fast friends, with
Fox even asking Pleasant to conduct his wedding.
“He’s always been a great guy, great coach,” Fox said. “You can never say
anything bad about Garth. He’s always been a super coach and super person.
We became close friends over the years.”
The two men share a desire to influence their community in positive ways,
especially to build good character and life-transforming faith in young people.
“Some of the boys Garth has taken have been rough around the edges
and he helped them become really good people and good men,” Fox said. “I
totally admire that. I graduated from a high school whose motto was ‘builders
of boys and makers of men,’ and I always think of Garth when I think of that
motto because that is what he has done throughout his career.”
While Pleasant has been the direct, daily influence on young people, he
says he couldn’t have done it without support from people like Fox. “Bill has
been a great giver to the community and other worthy causes. I think Bill
appreciates what Rochester College has done for the community and how it
has helped the lives of young people,” Pleasant said. “His gift is a way for him
to say thank you to the college for the way it has affected the lives of young
people.”
Fox says he has always had a passion for education and he wants to help
others teach and support the next generation.
As he became more acquainted with RC over the years, he saw the effect
not having a gymnasium was having on the small college community. “I see
a real need for a gym. A college of that caliber, with its quality sports teams
-- not having its own gym was a real turn-off. I thought this is something that
has to happen,” he said.
Fox believes his gift alongside the contributions of hundreds of others will
benefit not only the college, but the community as well. “I’m in full support
of building this gym for Garth, the college and the community. I hope we’re
successful.”

14 // S P R I N G // 2015

FOR HIS FRIEND,
FOR HIS COMMUNITY

BI L L F O X

THE PLAN

FOR HIS ALMA MATER
$3.8 million is necessary
for turnkey construction
of the Garth Pleasant
Gymnasium,
shown in these
renderings.
Once the gym
Mark Ide credits his experience at Michigan Christian College with giving
is finished,
him a solid foundation on which to build his life—both professionally and
the remainder of
personally.
the facility will be
A 1971 graduate, Ide’s company, Ide Management Group, owns and
constructed as
manages skilled nursing and assisted living facilities throughout the United
studentStates.
growth
With more than 2,000 employees, the company has annual revenue
and funding
allow.
of $150
million and facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin.

MAR K ID E

Along with his wife Missy, Ide has pledged $1 million for the college’s new
gymnasium, which is the largest alumni gift in the college’s history.
Ide said, “The school aided me in my business success, and I am happy I
am in a position to help the school improve.”
Looking back at his time at the college, Ide points out the relationships
he built with teachers, such as Sue Reich, Don Shull, Larry Jurney and Bill
Shinsky, who all became not just teachers but friends as well.
Ide remembers an encounter with Shinsky. “Once Coach Shinsky made a
statement that the totem pole belongs on the island and will never be moved.
The next morning it was on his front lawn. I don't know how it got there,” he
laughed. This is, of course, the same totem pole that was refurbished in 2011
by a group of donors and will be prominently displayed in the lobby of the
new gymnasium.
These relationships and the educational foundation gave Ide a “solid
academic base and helped him gain confidence,” he said.
Ide went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan,
a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University, and an MBA from
the University of Tennessee.
Known as an entrepreneur, consultant, leader, coach and acquisition
specialist, Ide spent 15 years working for non-profit organizations. During this
time, he developed a passion to improve the care and rehab services offered
to seniors.
His company turns around struggling facilities using a team of healthcare
professionals with years of experience in intermediate, skilled and assisted
living facilities. Ide Management provides consulting, counseling, training
and management to each facility on a consistent basis to improve the overall
operations of each facility.
“We adhere to a philosophy of ‘residents first,’ ” Ide said. “This philosophy
is the foundation of the company and continues to make our facilities leaders
in the health care industry.”
Ide also manages a not-for-profit company, Gone Fishin’, which assists
employees dealing with hardships. In his free time, he loves to travel with his
wife and spend time with his children and granddaughter. He can be found
fishing in Canada, hunting at his cabin in Tennessee, golfing in Florida and
sitting by the lake in Carolina.
In addition to his financial support of the college, Ide devotes his time serving
on the RC Board of Trustees. “I want to see the school gain more recognition as
a Christian educational institute we can all be proud of,” he said.

JOIN THE

IT'S THE 4TH QUARTER, AND THE
WARRIORS AREN'T DOWN BY MUCH!

RC needs 500 donors to pledge $1,000
and 250 donors to pledge $2,000
over the next 12 months. Visit

RC.EDU/4THQUARTER
to help us get the win!

N O R T H S TA R // 15

{ giving at rochester college }

ENDOWMENTS
SECURE A
LASTING
DIFFERENCE
Although the campus of Rochester College has visually changed over the
years, alumni and friends from every decade have enjoyed the scenic
woodlands. The grand oaks and towering pines are a favorite feature of
the campus for many. They are also a reminder that there has been life
before us, and there will be life after us.
What is left behind after the action of a lifetime? We think of our
legacy in many ways—our life’s work, our descendants or maybe our
written words. Your legacy can also be an investment in the mission of
Rochester College—helping us carry on programs important to you.
Below, meet two alumni who are dedicated to helping Rochester
College educate students to be salt and light for years to come.

DON CARTER { a family affair }
When the first shovels of dirt were turned over in an empty field on
Avon Road more than 50 years ago, Donald and Marie Carter were there.
At this momentous occasion, the couple knew they were investing in
a plan to build a Christian college in the north. What they probably did not
know was they were also building a legacy.
This legacy lives on through what is now known as the Carter Family
Endowed Scholarship. Donald and Marie’s son, Don Carter, started the
fund in honor of his mother in 1991. At that time, the scholarship was
known as the Marie A. Carter Endowed Scholarship. Upon his father’s
death in 1994, Donald Sr.’s name joined the title. Eventually, Carter’s wife
and sister also passed away, and it only seemed fitting to honor their
memory as well.
After all, Rochester College has truly been a family affair. Members of
the immediate and extended Carter family have been faculty, students,
Associates and even hamburger-flippers at college fundraising events.
Although the family has contributed in other ways to the financial success
of the college over the years, the scholarship fund is their most important
investment.
“I am a firm believer in things that go on after one’s death.
Endowments are a great way to help others for many years,” he said.
Carter says he also believes in the need for higher education. “There
wasn’t anyone in my father’s family who had ever obtained a college
degree, so education became paramount to my dad. He instilled this
in my brother and myself, and now we’ve done the same for all our
children,” said Carter, who attended RC in the early 1960s.

When reflecting on his time at the college, Carter recounts several enjoyable
memories, including his days as a basketball player for Coach Bill Shinsky and
as a residential student.
“There’s no question the college had a big impact on my life. You could
really tell your professors had a great love of Christian learning and tried to
convey that to us,” he recalled.
Carter hopes his family’s scholarship will continue to allow young adults the
same unique learning opportunities for years to come. He has even recently
recruited his nephew, Lance, to help carry on the family tradition by supporting
the fund.
“I’ve met many of the students from Rochester who have received our
scholarship, and I’m always very impressed with them. I hope that because
they got a scholarship, they will give back and continue to support the college
later in life,” he said.

JANICE COOPER { a proud daughter }
If Rochester College had a say, Janice Cooper would get her family’s
Daughter of the Year Award.
The youngest of eight children, Cooper recently established the CooperKennedy Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of her late father and mother.
“My parents have always been my role models. I don’t do anything for me; it’s
all because of them,” she said.
Cooper, who attended Rochester College in the mid-1960s, says Christian
education was critical to her parents. She remembers how adamant her father,
a former Church of Christ minister in the Chicago area and one of the founders
of Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, was that all of his sons go to
college. Her mother was just as determined her daughters do the same.

W H Y A R E E N D O W M E N T S I M P O R TA N T ?
An endowment creates financial stability, allowing colleges to be less
dependent on unpredictable sources of revenue such as annual gifts, state or
federal appropriations and enrollment increases. The resources produced by
endowment funds can support a variety of activities, including scholarships,
professorships for distinguished and dedicated faculty, or academic initiatives
that enhance an institution’s ability to be a leader in higher education.
Endowment funds are invested, or are available for investment, to produce
revenue. The revenue from these investments is available for scholarships,
faculty positions and educational initiatives. The principal for these funds
is protected, thus ensuring the fund sustains itself in perpetuity. A strong
endowment allows a college to focus on the business of educating students,
instead of raising money to cover annual operating expenses.

All but one (who married and started a family after high school) of the eight
Kennedy kids obtained at minimum a bachelor’s degree.
The proximity to her family and familiar Christian standards were what drew
Cooper to RC when it was her turn to carry out the family tradition. When Cooper
looks back on her time at the college, she says the relationships between
students and faculty and the close-knit community made a big difference.
“You didn’t get lost in the shuffle. If someone didn’t know you already, they
got to know you. It felt like you were away from home, but you weren’t really
away from home,” she recalls fondly.
Cooper went on to complete her bachelor’s degree at the (undeniably
larger) University of Illinois, but she says her time at RC made her feel well
prepared to learn in lecture halls with more than 300 students.
“By that time, I was ready. I’d had two good years in the Christian
environment at Rochester.”
Today, Cooper lives in Atlanta, Ga., where she is managing partner at
Cooper CitiWest JV, a full-service real estate asset management firm currently
overseeing assets in 18 states and Puerto Rico.
She is also owner of the Kennedy-Cooper Consultants Group, and the former
REO director at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This
role alone involved supervising over $4 billion in single-family REO sales and
participating in the formulation of some of the most significant public policy
decisions relating to REO management and disposition.
Certainly, Cooper’s own accomplishments are something to be proud of.
Yet, it’s the legacy started by her parents that gives her the most pride. She says
it dumbfounds her that people still talk about her dad even though he’s been
gone for almost 40 years.
The opportunities provided by the Cooper-Kennedy Endowed Scholarship
Fund will surely have a similar lasting impact.
“The good you do lives on. There’s a lot of pride in that,” she said.

has its own board and investment committees who have legal fiduciary
responsibility for overseeing endowments. Endowment funds are invested to
ensure a healthy and safe return with distributions being made to the college
each year. The college also accepts and manages endowment funds directly,
providing greater flexibility for college administrators.
Donors can specify if they want their endowment funds to be restricted or
unrestricted. Restricted funds are donor directed as to how the proceeds can
be used. An example might be a scholarship for students going into ministry.
Income from unrestricted funds is disbursed annually and allows the college
administration to direct income toward areas of greatest need (e.g., the
funding of a new faculty position).
Endowment funds provide one of the most secure sources of revenue to
Rochester College. Come join us as we endeavor to secure our mission. Help
us safeguard a bright future.
For more information on how you can join our endowment family of donors,
visit WWW.RC.EDU/GIVE or contact Tom Rellinger by email at
trellinger@rc.edu or telephone at 248.218.2014.

GOBBLES
&GLORY
CHAD & JAMES HAMPTON
SHARE THEIR WILD LIFE
OF HUNTING FOR
GOD AND BIG GAME

S T O R Y B Y Liz Fulton // P H O T O S B Y N2 Marketing Concepts

AN AFTERNOON IN OCTOBER
2004, JAMES HAMPTON (’04)
VENTURED INTO THE WOODLANDS
OF MAYVILLE, MICH., TO HUNT
DEER; A PASTIME HE AND HIS
TWIN BROTHER, CHAD (’04), HAVE
ENJOYED SINCE CHILDHOOD.
It was a picturesque fall evening—the kind
Michiganders look forward to all summer—the
kind where the crisp autumn air rustles the vibrantly
hued leaves; where the sun beams through the
trees, illuminating God’s colorful masterpiece
and warming one’s skin a final time before the
interminable winter comes.
Yet, after climbing his way up a towering oak
and settling into the tree stand he had erected,
James did not ready his bow and arrow. Instead,
he tuned in to the tranquil landscape and began
to pray, which he did ceaselessly as dusk fell upon
him.
At the time, James was preparing to graduate
from Rochester College with a degree in science
and Biblical studies. He was also caring for his wife,
Susan (Smith ’98), who was recovering from the
cancer she had been diagnosed with shortly after
the couple married, working a job he disliked, and
struggling to find God’s purpose for his life.
As he recalls the moment that would shift the
trajectory of his and Chad’s lives, James says: “I
shared with the Lord how I felt, and that I was
done pursuing my own plans. I promised to start
pursuing His, and I asked what He wanted for my
life. As I continued to pray, I heard the Lord tell me
in my spirit, ‘I want you to hunt for me like you
hunt for these animals, and teach people to do the
same.’ “
Unsurprisingly, James did not return home
celebrating a successful hunt. But after pouring
through scripture later that evening, he rejoiced in a
different blessing—the vision he now had for what
would become Huntin’ The Truth Ministries.

N O R T H S TA R // 19

IN SIGHT
If there’s any substance to the saying, “stick to what
you know,” the Hampton brothers are certainly on
the right path. Raised in a Christian home, James
and Chad say they’ve had a relationship with Christ
since the young age of 7. Shortly thereafter is when
their father introduced them to hunting, sparking a
passion that propels them to this day.
“The Bible says God reveals himself through
His creation, and there is something about
being in the outdoors that drives us to spend
as much time in the woods as possible. We take
the opportunity to hunt God’s creatures very
seriously,” said James.
Having spent most of their lives engaging in
the gospel and hunting, Chad says there are some
very important parallels between the two. “If you
look up the definitions for ‘hunt’ and ‘seek,’ you
will see they are almost identical. They both have
the general definition ‘to search for or pursue with
force.’ If you replace ‘hunt’ in verses that include
‘seek,’ it puts a very interesting spin on the verse,”
he said.
He goes on to cite scripture such as Psalms
14:2, which says, “God looks down on the sons of
men to see if there are any who understand, or
any who seek [hunt] God.”
“God is looking for ‘hunters’ of Him. James
and I want to teach people how to do so with the
same passion, dedication and intensity used in
hunting animals,” Chad said.

TA K I N G A I M
This desire is the aim of the Hampton’s multifaceted vocation, Huntin’ The Truth Ministries,
whose mission is to “create and restore
relationships with Jesus Christ through hunting
and the outdoors.” The three parts of HTTM
include a local ministry, or what they call their
“home chapter” in Lapeer County, Mich.; a
chapter development program; and a national
speaking ministry.

The local chapter, as well as the seven others
that have been established through various
churches countrywide, focus on ministering to
youth who do not have a father figure, as well as
physically challenged men, women and children.
“Our goal is to get them hunting in God's creation,
build relationships with them and share the gospel
in the process,” James said.
The speaking aspect of the ministry has given
the Hamptons the opportunity to travel the U.S.,
using their love of hunting and the outdoors as a
vehicle to build God’s kingdom. Annually, Chad
and James speak at 15-20 events, including wild
game dinners, men’s ministry gatherings, prayer
breakfasts, hunting camps and conferences, and
Sunday morning church services.
With such a robust schedule of public speaking
engagements, it’s hard to imagine a time when a
brief seven minutes in front of an audience would
render James uneasy. Yet he recalls standing in Dr.
David Fleer’s preaching course during his time as
a student at RC, feeling quite uncomfortable and
unsure as he delivered his first sermon.
Afterwards, Fleer gave James a compliment
he says he’ll never forget. “[Fleer] said, ‘One day
people will enjoy listening to you preach and
speak.’ That had a big impact on my life, even
though he probably never realized it. Little did he
or I know that God would call me to preach and
speak in public for a living,” said James.
Chad’s start in ministry had similar (Rochester
College) roots. He adds he will always be
thankful for the time he spent at RC, the lifelong
friendships he made and the influence the people
and professors had on his life. “God used some
professors to spark a fire in my heart to be in
ministry and serve His people. I actually started
in ministry at age 20 during my time at RC with
an internship as a youth pastor. The courses were
great preparation for me to enter the adventure
and challenges of this calling,” he said.

as a toddler and being given an experimental
drug to prevent any reoccurrence, he was left
paralyzed from the chest down. Although
the subsequent legal battle resulted in instant
wealth for him and his family, he divulged he
had recently attempted suicide after struggling
to find fulfillment and purpose.

"GOD IS LOOKING FOR 'HUNTERS' OF HIM. WE WANT TO TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO DO SO
WITH THE SAME PASSION, DEDICATION AND INTENSITY USED IN HUNTING ANIMALS."
—J A M E S H A M P T O N

HAPPY HUNTING
Nowadays, not only do people enjoy (and pay
for) a speech or sermon by the Hampton brothers,
they are oftentimes convicted by the gospel
message so eagerly and affably shared with them.
James recalls one such man who requested
to speak with him and Chad after they had
addressed guests at a wild game dinner in
northern Michigan a few years ago. The young
man explained that after battling blood cancer

20 // S P R I N G // 2015

“He then asked us if we could help him. We
explained we would love to pray with him and try
to help in any way we could, but only God could
fulfill the void he had in his life,” James said.
The Hamptons say moments like this, where
they see Christ touch someone’s life, are their
favorite part of what they do. “It’s why we do it…to
see lives impacted by the love of Christ,” said Chad.

SHOOT!

B E T H E FAC TO R

Ultimately, their brotherly bond is strong, and
they make the near constant contact work. In
fact, as if the two weren’t spending enough time
together running HTTM, in 2014 they signed a
deal for an outdoor reality mini-series with The

James reinforces the motto that is heard time and
again throughout episodes of “Twin Factor”—
“BE THE FACTOR in the woods. BE THE FACTOR
in your family. BE THE FACTOR for Jesus. Our goal
for everything we do is to have an impact on the

“THEN GOD SAID, ‘LET US MAKE MANKIND IN OUR IMAGE, IN OUR
LIKENESS, SO THAT THEY MAY RULE OVER THE FISH IN THE SEA AND
THE BIRDS IN THE SKY, OVER THE LIVESTOCK AND ALL THE WILD ANIMALS,
AND OVER ALL THE CREATURES THAT MOVE ALONG THE GROUND."

T W I N FAC TO R
Although these moments are the most
memorable for Chad and James, the brothers
also have a long list of good times they have
shared while working alongside one another
over the years…if you can even call it working.
“Our two passions in life are God and hunting.
Since we own a hunting ministry, work and play
just blur together,” James said.
The Hamptons are grateful for this setup.
They mention how few people of the world’s
population are twins (2 percent, according to
The Twin Foundation), and note the rarity of also
being able to work together day in and day out.
“Chad and I have a blast with each other! We feel
so blessed to be able to labor for the Lord and His
glory together in ministry and business and enjoy
it very much!” said James.
James said spending so much time together
has its challenges. He half jokes that Chad tends
to get on his nerves easily…but he realizes Chad
could probably say the same of him.

Pursuit Channel. Written and directed by the
brothers, “Twin Factor” also stars the dynamic
duo. In the show, Chad and James give audiences
a behind-the-scenes look into the adventures that
arise while building a successful brand, running
a ministry and raising a family (James and Susan
have two children— Jimmy, age 13, and Abigail,
age 9; Chad and wife, Joi, have a 4-year-old
named Alijah). Of course, the thrill of hunting big
game gets documented along the way.
Chad and James say they are often asked,
“What is ‘Twin Factor?’ ” or “What is the twin
factor?” While the obvious answer is that
it involves the twins trying to be a factor in
harvesting animals and doing their part to
manage God’s creation, Chad says the focus of
the show is not what most people would think.
The brothers say they chose the title “Twin
Factor” for mostly spiritual reasons. They also
chose the text from Genesis 1:26 which says,
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our
image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over
the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over
the livestock and all the wild animals and over all
the creatures that move along the ground” as the
theme scripture for the show.
“As we see from this verse, the idea of ‘twins’
came from God. He created us as twins with Him
and Jesus (’let us make mankind in our image’).
The scripture goes on to say He created us in His
image so he could have a purpose, just like Adam
had a purpose in the garden, and Jesus had a
purpose on earth,” said Chad.
He continues by explaining the word “factor”
means “to have an impact on the outcome of
something.”
“So we are all created as twins with Him, so
we can have purpose and make an impact on the
outcomes of peoples’ lives for Jesus,” said Chad.
He excitedly declares, “We all have the ‘twin
factor’ for Christ! That’s the main message about
us and our show.”

lives of people God allows us to come in contact
with and help bring souls back into the kingdom.
Whether through our show, ministry or families,
[we strive to] be the factor, and encourage others
to do the same.”
As for what Chad and James are aiming for
when they think about the future, their sights are
set on God’s plan. “Our target is people who do
not know Christ and would never step foot in a
church, but would attend our events or watch
our show. We feel led to try and reach as many
people in that audience as possible. We are open
to wherever and however God decides to lead us
in that adventure,” Chad said.
FOR MORE INFO ON THE HAMPTONS AND
THEIR MINISTRY, TV SHOW OR BOOK, VISIT

1973
David Penn recently earned a master’s degree in history from the University
of Nebraska. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Rochester College
(1994), three additional master’s degrees, a graduate certificate in school
superintendency, an educational specialist degree, and a doctorate degree.
For many years, he taught and served as an administrator in Chicago
area public schools. He currently serves as an online history instructor for
Southwestern Christian College and as a professor of history at Joliet Junior
College. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he serves as the pulpit
minister of the Robbins Church of Christ in Robbins, Ill. He can be contacted
at kennedy123@aol.com.
Lynn Shinsky is retired after 39 years of teaching. Lynn and his wife, Holly, live
close to Farmington, NM. They have five children and nine grandchildren. Lynn
climbs 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado during the summer, and Holly works
with Melaluca and natural food co-ops. Both assist with school-age children
at church through Leadership Training for Christ. Lynn can be contacted at
lynnhiker53@hotmail.com

1987
Joey Tilton is chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Midland
Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas. Joey and his wife, Becky (Kreh-'88)
Tilton, have three children, Ashlyn, Zac, and Faith. Joey can be contacted at
jbazf@suddenlink.net.

1990
Sarah (Anthony) Vickstrom ('09 CEL) was recently promoted to a lead teacher
position in the Great Start Readiness Program at the Creative Hands Early
Learning Center. Sara and her two sons live in Plymouth, Mich. She can be
contacted at slvickstrom@comcast.net.

1996
Amy Bull has returned to college for a degree in early childhood education.
She plans to pursue a specialization in sign language so she can work more
effectively with hearing-impaired families and children. Amy lives in Xenia,
Ohio, and works as an assistant teacher at Grace Learning Center. She can be
contacted at amybull19@gmail.com.

1998
Stacey (Bowers) Bousho graduated in the fall of 2014 with an MBA from Ohio
Christian University. Stacey and her husband, Mark Bousho ('99), live in
Clarkston, Mich. They have two daughters, Eva Christine and Charley Anne.

2001
Abigail Joy joined Maddie Jane in the home of Troy and Jennifer (Kirby)
Armstrong on June 9, 2014. The family lives in Grand Blanc, Mich. Jennifer
can be contacted at jenarmstrong5@hotmail.com.

2010
Justin and Lisa (Ambrose-'09) Eimers welcomed Elias Malachi on Feb. 20, 2015.
Lisa completed her Master of Arts degree in human services/counseling with
a cognate in executive leadership from Liberty University on Dec. 19, 2014. The
family lives in Grand Blanc, Mich. Justin can be contacted at jeimers@rc.edu.

To submit your news, visit RC.EDU/ALUMNINEWS

rochester in RETROSPECT ď&#x201A;Ş
ď&#x201A;Ť

2000
FUN IN THE SUN

Campers prayed for the college community in small groups during Summer Jam 2000. Now known as
Elevate, the event has combined the best features of a Bible camp with those of a youth rally since 1992.
Many have been introduced to the college and strengthened spiritually as a result of the week-long event.
Summers were pretty quiet on the campus of Rochester College until 1980, when Coach Garth Pleasant
introduced his Lake Norcentra Basketball Camp. Gradually, additional summer programs like Elevate, Junior
Scholars and Shakespeare Camp began to appear. By the end of this summer, hundreds of individuals will
visit or spend extended amounts of time on campus.
If you are traveling near the campus this summer, stop by for a visit! Those with high school students can
contact the admissions office at 800.521.6010. A tour for alumni or friends can be arranged through Larry
Stewart in the alumni office by calling 248.218.2023.